GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2001
H	2
HOUSE BILL 123
Committee Substitute Favorable 4/19/01

Short Title:	Increase 2nd Degree Arson Penalty.	()	
Sponsors:	     	
Referred to:	     	
February 15, 2001

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the legislative research commission to study the state's criminal laws with regard to arson and other burnings; and to study the need for CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE STATUTORY MEDICAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS REGARDING BURN INJURIES THAT APPEAR TO RESULT FROM A CRIMINAL ACT.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the question of whether the punishment for second‑degree arson should be punishable as a Class E felony rather than a Class G felony.  The Commission may include as a part of its study consolidation or reclassification of any or all of the arson and burning offenses in Article 15 of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes.
SECTION 2.  The Commission may also study the question of whether G.S. 90‑21.20 should be amended to require reporting by physicians and hospitals of every case in which a patient has burns over approximately ten percent (10%) or more of the patient's body if it appears to the physician or surgeon treating the case that a criminal act was involved.  The Commission may include as a part of its study other issues regarding reporting by physicians and hospitals of wounds, injuries, and illnesses.
SECTION 3.  The Commission shall make a report of its findings and recommendations, including any recommended legislation, to the 2002 Regular Session of the 2001 General Assembly.
SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.